Department of Electrical, Computer, and Telecommunications Engineering Technology
MS in Environmental, Health & Safety Management
Overview
A Contemporary Program of Study
Management of environmental, health and safety (EHS) issues has changed significantly in the past twenty years. Although they are distinct disciplines, environmental management, occupational health and workplace safety share many technical, regulatory and organizational characteristics. Faced with pressure to streamline their organizations while improving performance, many companies have chosen to capitalize on synergies among these areas by managing them together. Originally trained in only one discipline, EHS professionals now need to be cross-trained in all three areas. The emergence of voluntary standards and the need for companies to consider how EHS can contribute to, rather than detract from, the bottom line have resulted in a trend to go beyond regulatory compliance and work towards sustainability by implementing EHS management systems that are integrated into key business processes.
RIT's program in environmental, health and safety management utilizes an integrated systems focus to ensure that graduates can:
- Identify and leverage the regulatory, voluntary and business drivers for EHS programs.
- Design and implement effective EHS management systems and programs.
- Design and implement performance measurement processes to verify EHS effectiveness.
- Demonstrate how an effective EHS program adds value to the organization
The program is available online for those who need a flexible learning environmental and through a combination of online and blended courses for those who want to attend the RIT campus. Blended courses are taught online with weekly on-campus meetings.
The program was originally designed for early to mid-career EHS professionals and other professionals planning a career move into the EHS field. Those with a BS degree who lack EHS work experience, but have completed the proper course work and are willing to complete a co-op may also be eligible to complete the program.
The 33 semester hour program can be completed in as little as 1.5 years of full-time study, or as little as 3 years of part-time study while working full-time.
RIT's EHS faculty are highly experienced EHS professionals, ensuring that the curriculum is both relevant and practical.
Contacts
Dr. John Morelli, Department Chair
(585) 475-7213, john.morelli@rit.edu
Joseph Rosenbeck, Professor, Graduate Program Director
(585) 475-6469, jmrcem@rit.edu
Semester Curriculum (2013/14)
The MS program in environmental, health and safety management consists of 33 semester credit hours of graduate study. The curriculum consists of core courses, professional electives, and either a comprehensive exam, graduate thesis or project.
Environmental, health and safety management (thesis, capstone, and exam options), MS degree, typical course sequence (semesters), effective fall 2013
| Course | Sem. Cr. Hrs. | |
|---|---|---|
| ESHS-720 | EHS Management | 3 |
| ESHS-755 | Corporate Social Responsibility | 3 |
| ESHS-710 | Research Methods | 3 |
| ESHS-740 | EHS Management System Design | 3 |
| ESHS-760 | Integrating EHS Management | 3 |
| Professional Electives | 6 | |
| ESHS-715 | Graduate Writing Strategies | 3 |
| ESHS-780 | EHS Management System Evaluation | 3 |
| Choose one of the following: | 6 | |
| ESHS-797 | Graduate Project* | |
| ESHS-795 | Comprehensive Exam† | |
| ESHS-788, 790 | Thesis Planning, Thesis | |
| Total Semester Credit Hours | 33 | |
* The graduate project option requires students to complete one additional professional elective.
† The comprehensive exam option requires students to complete two additional electives.